Undergraduate Placement - Analytical Science - Research & Science

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World.

To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!

British American Tobacco UK has an exciting opportunity for an UNDERGRADUATE INTERN – Analytical Science in Southampton – Fixed-term (12 months)

We have an exciting opportunity for students who are currently undertaking a degree in Chemistry, Forensic Science, Chemical Engineering or a closely related subject to join our Research & Science function, based in Southampton, on a 12-month undergraduate placement.

This placement is with our Advanced Analytical team and will focus on gaining hands-on training and experience with state-of-the-art mass spectrometry equipment and techniques. Throughout your placement, you will enhance your skills in data analysis, scripting, and process automation within a busy lab setting, collaborate with experienced scientists and contribute to innovative research projects, as well as develop a deeper understanding of the applications of analytical chemistry in industry.

The placement will further allow you to identify, define, and plan a research project to address an analytical challenge or question using practical skills and specialised knowledge.

We make significant investments in Research and Development to deliver innovations that satisfy or anticipate consumer needs and generate growth for the business. We conduct cutting-edge research to evaluate our Smokeless Products and apply the highest standard(s) for product safety and quality. Successful applicants will be involved in our extensive scientific research program which spans a broad spectrum of scientific fields - including molecular biology, human biology, toxicology, chemistry, biomedical sciences, psychology, neuroscience, sensorial science, data science, computer science, product design, and engineering disciplines.

In the UK, we offer 12-months placement opportunities (starting on 1st September 2027) to undergraduate students looking to gain practical experience within a vibrant and innovative industrial setting. As part of the scheme, you will be partnered with a mentor, have regular reviews with your Line Manager and work on projects that impact the business.

BAT has an established placement programme, with a dedicated Placement Team, which provides training and development throughout the placement. This includes sessions for onboarding, presentation skills, critical thinking, scientific poster presentations and ‘speed networking’ with senior management. Successful applicants are provided with multiple opportunities to develop transferable skills in addition to gaining ‘hands on’ experience in a technical discipline.

As part of the scheme students get a chance to cultivate their independent thinking and problem-solving skills in addition to working in and contributing to a team. Cross functional/department working and participation in other research activities is also encouraged, where appropriate. Previous work experience in a practical ‘hands‑on’ role would be useful but not essential.

This role is due to start in September 2027, and we will be shortlisting applications and carrying out video/ online interviews whilst the advert is live. We will look to make an offer to the successful candidate as close to the closing date as possible. However, the vetting and onboarding processes for successful candidates won’t begin until the role is opened in our system, which is likely to be later in 2027, so we will contact successful candidates again to commence these…